Apple tree named &#39;Gemini&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct  Malus domestica  Mill. apple tree variety named ‘Gemini’ particularly characterized by medium vigorous tree with spreading habit. Highly productive with precocious fruit bearing. Resistant to scab, very low susceptibility to powdery mildew. The fruit is very attractive, big, larger than ‘Galaxy’ with a regular conical shape. The ground colour is green with a uniform brilliant ruby red blush, the area of over colour is very large. Not subject to cracking. The flesh is creamy, crispy, fresh and juicy with a slight acidity taste. The storage life is comparable to ‘Galaxy’.

LATIN NAME OF THE GENUS AND SPECIES OF THE PLANT CLAIMED

Malus domestica Mill.

VARIETY DENOMINATION

‘Gemini’

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of European Community Plant VarietyOffice Plant Breeders' Rights Application No. 2011/1878, filed Jul. 26,2011.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of appletree, botanically known as Malus domestica Mill. of the Family Rosaceae,and hereinafter referred to by the variety denomination ‘Gemini’.

The new Malus variety is a product of a planned breeding programconducted by the inventors, Michelangelo Leis, Alessio Martinelli,Gianfranco Castagnoli and Francesco Tagliani in S. Giuseppe di Comacchio(Ferrara), Italy. The objective of the breeding program was to developnew Malus varieties with improved production characteristics,high-quality flavour and aroma, and sustainability by increasing thetree's natural resistance. The primary objective of the ConsorzioItaliano Vivaisti's research programme is to selection new applevarieties with natural resistances, in particular to scab.

The new Malus variety, ‘Gemini’, originated from a cross made in aplanned, controlled breeding program in S. Giuseppe di Comacchio(Ferrara), Italy. The female parent is the ‘Gala’ variety. The maleparent is an unpatented C.I.V selection denominated ‘A3-7’. ‘Gemini’ wasdiscovered and selected in September 2004 by the inventors as aflowering plant within the progeny of the stated cross in a controlledenvironment in S. Giuseppe di Comacchio (Ferrara), Italy.

Asexual reproduction of the new Malus variety by budding and graftingwas first performed in September 2004 and in the following years in S.Giuseppe di Comacchio (Ferrara), Italy, and has demonstrated that thecombination of characteristics as herein disclosed for the new Malusvariety are firmly fixed and retained through successive generations ofasexual reproduction. The new variety reproduces true to type.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe unique characteristics of ‘Gemini’ which in combination distinguishthis apple tree as a new and distinct variety:

1. Intense ruby red colour;

2. Scab resistance;

3. Medium vigor, open habit with short branches;

4. High sugar content and

5. Good storage ability.

In comparison to the similar variety ‘Galaxy’, ‘Gemini’ differsprimarily in the traits listed in Table 1:

TABLE 1 Characteristic in State of State of Denomination of which thesimilar expression of expression of similar variety variety is differentsimilar variety candidate variety ‘Galaxy’ Relative area of Medium Verylarge colour Pattern of over Solid flush with Only solid flush colourdefined stripes Resistance to No Scab resistant disease

Of the commercial cultivars known to the inventors, the most similar incomparison to ‘Gemini’ is the variety ‘Galaxy’ as compared in Table 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying photographs illustrate the overall appearance of thenew apple tree ‘Gemini’ showing the colors as true as is reasonablypossible with color reproductions of this type. Color in the photographsmay differ slightly from the color value cited in the detailed botanicaldescription, which accurately describe the color of ‘Gemini’.

FIG. 1: illustrates the plant of ‘Gemini’;

FIG. 2: illustrates the leaves of ‘Gemini’;

FIG. 3: illustrates the flowers of ‘Gemini’ and

FIG. 4: illustrates the fruits of ‘Gemini’.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The new Malus variety ‘Gemini’ has not been observed under all possibleenvironmental conditions. The phenotype of the new variety may vary withvariations in environment such as temperature, light intensity, and daylength without any change in the genotype of the plant.

The aforementioned photographs, together with the followingobservations, measurements and values describe the new Malus variety‘Gemini’ as grown in the apple farm in S. Giuseppe di Comacchio(Ferrara), Italy, under conditions which closely approximate thosegenerally used in commercial practice. The apple farm where ‘Gemini’ isgrown is situated near the Adriatic sea (44° 45′ North, 12° 11′ East)and is zero (0) meters above sea level. The soil of the apple farm where‘Gemini’ is grown is sandy, and the soil is treated with manure everyyear and irrigated with drip irrigation systems. The climate istemperate continental with high summer temperatures and low wintertemperatures.

Unless otherwise stated, the detailed botanical description includesobservations, measurements and values based on four (4) year old‘Gemini’ trees that were grown in the apple farm in S. Giuseppe diComacchio (Ferrara), Italy, from 2007 to 2010 All trees were of croppingmaturity. Quantified measurements are expressed as an average ofmeasurements taken from a number of individual trees of ‘Gemini’. Themeasurements of any individual tree, or any group of trees, of the newvariety may vary from the stated average.

Color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society ColourChart (R.H.S.), except where general colors of ordinary significance areused. Color values were taken under daylight conditions at approximately10:00 am in S. Giuseppe di Comacchio (Ferrara), Italy.

All trees of ‘Gemini’, insofar as they have been observed, have beenidentical in all the characteristics described below.

-   Classification:    -   -   Botanical.—Malus domestica Mill.-   Parentage:    -   -   Female parent.—Malus domestica Mill. ‘Gala’.        -   Male parent.—Malus domestica Mill. ‘A3-7’ (unpatented C.I.V.            selection).-   Propagation: Budding and grafting on M9 rootstock.-   Tree:    -   -   Age.—Observed plants were four years old.        -   Vigor.—medium vigor.        -   Tree type.—ramified.        -   Habit.—spreading, branches angle is typically 45 to 75            degrees from the vertical stem.        -   Density.—medium density.        -   Cropping behavior.—Precocious fruit bearing with high            productivity.        -   Type of bearing.—typically long shoot, presence of spur on            2-3 year old branches.        -   Production.—4^(th) year: 16 Kg.        -   Size.—Height: 2.8 m Spread: 1.30 m Trunk Diameter: about 35            mm as measured 20 cm above point of grafting.        -   Surface texture.—smooth.        -   Bark color.—Brown, RHS 166 A.-   Trunk lenticels:    -   -   Overall shape.—round to elongated. Length: 1.6 mm Width: 1.5            mm Color: Yellow-brown RHS 164 C. Density: 3 to 4 per cm².        -   Branches.—Number per tree: about 20 at four (4) years.            Length: Varies due to pyramidal shape of tree. At four (4)            years, maximum of 90 cm to 110 cm; minimum of 30 cm to 50 cm            Diameter (at 3 years): About 10 mm to 14 mm Surface texture:            smooth. Color (at 3 years): grey, RHS 201 A. Internode            length: About 2.5 cm to 3.5 cm Internode diameter: About 9            mm to 12 mm in the middle of branches.        -   Branches lenticels.—Length: 0.9 mm Width: 1.2 mm Color:            Yellow-brown, RHS 164 B. Density: About 3 to 4 per cm².-   Leaves:    -   -   Arrangement.—Alternate, simple, petiolated.        -   Lamina.—Size: Length (4 year old): 98.4 mm (from 3^(rd) to            5^(th) fully expanded leaf) Width (4 year old): 47.3 mm            (from 3^(rd) to 5^(th) fully expanded leaf).        -   Length/width ratio.—2.08 Overall Shape:            elliptical-elongated. Base shape: rounded. Apex shape:            acuminate. Margin: serrate. Pubescence: absent on upper            surface and weak pubescent on lower surface. Attitude in            relation to shoot: outwards. Color (mature leaves): green,            RHS 137 A on the upper side and 147 B underside.        -   Venation.—Type: prominent pinnate venation from a midrib to            the edge. Color: green, RHS 148 C.        -   Petiole.—Length: about 28 mm. Diameter: about 1.8 mm.            Texture: hairy. Color: yellow-green, RHS 146 C with            anthocyanin coloration located on the base.        -   Stipule.—Arrangement: adnate, grown together; medium size.        -   Distance of stipules from basal attachment of            petiole.—average 3 mm Length: 5 mm to 9 mm. Width: 0.6 mm to            1.9 mm.-   Spur: Present: on 2-3 year old shoots. Distance between each spur:    On the two-three year old branches, the distance is about 20 mm to    50 mm    -   -   Number of fruit per spur.—2 to 4 without thinning.-   Flowers:    -   -   Blooming time.—Full bloom on April 9^(th) at C.I.V. in S.            Giuseppe di Comacchio (Ferrara) in year 2011.        -   Blooming period.—8 to 12 days.        -   Fragrance.—slight.        -   Type.—inflorescence.        -   Number of flowers per inflorescence.—5 to 6.        -   Flower size.—Diameter: about 44 mm. Flower color: Primarily            white, RHS 155 D, when petals fully opened, undersides of            petals there are shades red-purple color, RHS 67 A, making            pink blooming stage pink, RHS 72 A.        -   Buds.—Number of buds per spur: typically, one or two on each            spur. Shape: pointed. Length: about 7.5 mm. Width: about            4.5 mm. Color: brown, RHS 187 A with hairy surface.        -   Petals.—Arrangement: intermediate. Number per flower:            typically five (5). Length: average 20.96 mm. Width: average            14 mm. Length/width ratio: 1.5. Overall shape: elliptic.            Apex shape: obtuse. Base shape: rounded. Texture: smooth.            Margin: entire. Color (upper surface): white, RHS 155 D.            Color (lower surface): white, RHS 155 D with shade            red-purple RHS 67 A.        -   Sepals.—Number per flower: five (5). Length: average            5.76 mm. Width: average 3.56 mm. Length/width ratio: 1.62.            Overall shape: lanceolate. Apex shape: acute. Texture:            hairy. Margin: entire. Color: green, RHS 138 B.        -   Pedicel.—Length: average 25.8 mm. Diameter: 2 to 3 mm.            Texture: hairy. Color: green, RHS 138 B.-   Fruit:    -   -   Keeping quality.—The fruit keeps well on the tree. The            storage life is comparable to Gala. It has a good shelf            life.        -   Maturity when described.—ripe for eating.        -   Maturity period after full bloom.—About 131 days in S.            Giuseppe di Comacchio (Ferrara) Italy.        -   Date of first and last pickings.—About 15 August and 22            August in S. Giuseppe di Comacchio (Ferrara) Italy (North            44° 45′46.2″, East 012° 11′31.9″) in year 2011.        -   General shape.—conic.        -   Average weight.—216.73 g.        -   Fruit size.—Average height: 71.44 mm. Average diameter (at            widest point): 81.55 mm.        -   Position of maximum diameter.—between ¾ of the height near            stem end.        -   Height/diameter ratio.—0.88.        -   Stem.—Length: about 23.47 mm. Diameter: 2.62 mm. Color:            yellow-green group, RHS 146 C.        -   Stalk cavity.—Depth: average 20.24 mm. Width: average 40.63            mm.-   Eye basin:    -   -   Aperture of eye.—fully open Depth: average 8.46 mm. Width:            average 29.12 mm. Crowning at calyx end: absent or weak.            Position of sepals: erect and converging. Calyx tube: funnel            form.        -   Skin.—Thickness: medium. Texture: smooth. Bloom: absent or            very low. Greasiness: absent. Firmness (at picking time): 9            to 10 kg/cm². Overcolor color: red, RHS 46 A. Percentage of            skin surface with overcolor color: very large. Pattern of            overcolor: only solid flush. Intensity of overcolor: dark.            Ground color: yellow-green, RHS 154 B.        -   Skin lenticels.—shape: round. Length: about 1.0 mm. Width:            about 1.0 mm. Color: yellow-white, RHS 158 B. Density: about            3 per cm² in the central area of the surface of fruit. The            number of lenticels increases in a direction toward the            hollow of the calyx and the size of the lenticels decreases.        -   Flesh.—Color: yellow-white group , RHS 158 B. Texture: firm,            crisp and juicy. Aroma: medium. Eating quality: good with            slight acidity taste. Sugar content (at picking time): 12 to            13° Brix. Acidity/Starch (at picking time): Acidity: 4.5 to            6.5 g/lt Malic acid/starch: 2.5 Laimburg scale 1 to 5.        -   Core.—Symmetry of core: slightly asymmetric. Distinctness of            core lines: no more evident. Locules: Number (per fruit): 5            (five). Length: 14.79 mm. Width: 6.72 mm. Form: fully open.-   Seeds:    -   -   Number per fruit.—6 to 14.        -   Number per locule.—about 2 to 3.        -   Shape.—ellipsoid, elongated and pointed.        -   Length.—average 8.18 mm.        -   Width.—average 4.73 mm.        -   Color.—brown, RHS 200 D.-   Reproductive organs:    -   -   Androecium.—Stamens: Number per flower: about 20 (Twenty).            Length: average 7.73 mm. Filament: Length: about 5.9 mm.            Color: green-white, RHS 157 B. Anther: Shape: ovoid, flat in            the center. Length: 2.35 mm. Diameter: 1.73 mm. Color:            yellow, RHS 10 C. Pollen: Amount: abundant. Color: yellow,            RHS 13 C. Requirements: the crab apple “Malus Evereste” is            good pollinator.        -   Gynoecium.—Stigma: Shape: funnel shape with receptive            surface on top. Length: 1.0 mm. Width: 0.5 mm. Color:            yellow, RHS 145 A. Style: Number per flower: 5 (Five).            Length: about 10 mm. Width: about 0.3 mm. Color:            yellow-green, RHS 138 B. Ovary: Length: about 4.0 mm. Width:            about 3.0 mm. Color: yellow-green, RHS 138 B.        -   Use.—fresh market.        -   Sensitivity to disease/pests.—scab resistance.        -   Winter hardiness.—tolerance to temperatures of −12° C.            without observed damage to wood and buds of dormant apple            trees; but open flowers and young fruitlets are killed by            exposure to −3° C. to −5° C., depending on the length of            exposure.        -   Drought/heat tolerance.—good tolerance to heat, up to 40°            C., growth is limited by drought periods without irrigation.        -   Shipping/storage characteristics.—good storability under            ULO-conditions (1° C., 2% O₂, 2% CO₂) for up to six (6)            months.

1. A new and distinct Malus domestica Mill. apple tree variety named‘Gemini’, substantially as illustrated and described herein.